title: Varix of the retromandibular vein within the parotid gland: case study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To report a case of varix of the retromandibular vein within the parotid gland.
  
  
  METHODS
  Case report, and discussion of the appropriate selection and use of radiological investigation techniques.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A 64-year-old lady who presented with unilateral tinnitus underwent a magnetic resonance imaging scan to exclude a vestibular schwannoma. The magnetic resonance scout images revealed an incidental finding of a hyperechoic mass within the parotid gland. The mass was most consistent with a pleomorphic adenoma. Ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration cytology was arranged; the ultrasound identified the mass as a varix of the retromandibular vein and fine needle aspiration cytology was not performed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A varix of the retromandibular vein is a very rare cause of a parotid mass. Appropriate radiological investigations can prevent unnecessary invasive investigations or procedures.
authors.affiliation: Department of ENT, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK.
authors.forename: G N
authors.initials: GN
authors.lastname: Wali
authors.forename: T A R
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Mawby
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Sheerin
authors.forename: C A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Milford
mesh_terms: D008949:Adenoma, Pleomorphic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D044963:Biopsy, Fine-Needle; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D033162:Incidental Findings; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008875:Middle Aged; D010306:Parotid Gland / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000473:pathology; D010307:Parotid Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D035583:Rare Diseases; D014012:Tinnitus / Q000209:etiology; D014648:Varicose Veins / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology